Coming Home Well

In this episode, Tyler sits down with Heidi Langbein-Allen to discuss her father's harrowing experience as a conscripted boy soldier during the final, brutal days of World War II. At just 13 years old, Heidi's father was taken from his parents under the guise of "protection," only to be indoctrinated and thrust into combat against the Russian advance on the Eastern Front. Heidi shares how she even...

Why do standard post-deployment screenings miss the mark? What happens when a warrior loses their "tribe" and transitions back to civilian life? In this episode, Tyler sits down with Dr. Shauna "Doc" Springer —a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and one of the world's leading experts on psychological trauma, military transition, and suicide prevention. Doc Springer breaks down why lumping traum...

Navigating the mental health care system can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Tyler sits down with Kate Weaver, Executive Director of NAMI Charlotte, to discuss free, peer-led support networks and revolutionary new tools designed to connect individuals, veterans, and families to care faster than ever. Key Highlights The 11-Year Gap: It takes an average of 11 years from the onset of a mental hea...

If you found value in this episode leave us a review and be sure to subscribe so you do not miss an episode. Are you planning your retirement using civilian tools and calculators? If so, you’re likely leaving millions of dollars on the table. In this episode, host Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with Randy Senkle , a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, first sergeant, and the creator of the popul...

Found value in the show? Help us reach more people by leaving a review ! Tell us what stands out to you, or suggest a topic you want us to dive into next. Your reviews and ideas are what keep this mission moving forward for the entire Unified Service Family. When a 34-year law enforcement veteran suffers a stroke on duty, you’d expect his department to have his back. For Randy Sutton , the reality...

Leave a review if you like this episode! How do you prepare for life after the badge? Host Tyler sits down with Paul Pantani, a 35-year law enforcement veteran, to discuss the mental, professional, and personal hurdles of retiring from a career in first response. From patrol officer to Commander at a DA’s Office, Paul shares the hard lessons he learned about identity, timing, and why even two year...

In this episode, Tyler sits down with Fred Apgar , a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran and author of Return to the War on Plaine des Jarres . Fred served with the 7th Airborne Command and Control Squadron (7 ACCS) , coordinating the clandestine air war over Laos. Fred discusses the complexities of the "Secret War," the painful homecoming many veterans faced, and his transformative 2014 return to South...

Please leave us a review if you like this episode. In this episode, Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with Rob Evans , the developer and visionary behind two disruptive platforms: Hots and Cots and Vet Stats . Rob’s mission is simple but profound: use transparency to improve the lives of those who serve. From rating moldy barracks and undercooked dining hall food to evaluating VA healthcare quality, Rob...

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging. In this episode, Dr. Tyler Pieron and Michelle Schafer share practical strategies to help veterans and service members translate military experience into civilian careers, build strong resumes and LinkedIn profiles, network effectively, and find work aligned with their values. You’ll Learn: How to identify and communicate transferabl...

Please leave us a review and share your suggestions or comments. In this episode, Tyler speaks with historian and educator Jenny Chan about the often-overlooked atrocities of the Pacific Theater during World War II. Drawing from personal family histories and over one million archived documents, they explore Unit 731, POW camps, the Bataan Death March, Hell Ships, and the lasting impact of war acro...

In this episode, Dr. Tyler Pieron welcomes back Dr. Paul Lawrence , Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to discuss the latest initiatives and challenges at the VA. From modernizing healthcare to protecting veterans’ benefits, Dr. Lawrence shares insights, practical advice, and stories that matter to every veteran. Topics Covered VA leadership priorities and putting veterans at the center of all...

In this episode of Coming Home Well , host Dr. Tyler Pieron speaks with Israeli author and former elite combat soldier Yishay Ishi Ron about PTSD, stigma, and the power of storytelling to heal trauma. Ishi shares his personal journey from military service and silent struggle to writing his acclaimed novel Dog —a cult favorite in Israel now available in English. Using the story of a stray dog as an...

In this episode, host Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with Matt Watkins , a Marine Corps veteran who spent 14 years serving as an F-18 mechanic, recruiter, and leader. Matt opens up about the pivotal moment he decided to transition out of active duty, the uncertainty that followed, and how he ultimately rediscovered purpose in the civilian world. Today, he serves as the Military Program Manager at Prem...

In this episode of  Coming Home Well , host Dr. Tyler Pieron welcomes attorney James R. Burn, a seasoned advocate with decades of experience in veterans benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Offering a perspective rarely heard on veterans podcasts, one from a private attorney rather than a VA or state representative, James shares clear, practical insights into how veterans can...

In this powerful episode of Coming Home Well , host Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with filmmaker Steven Grayhm and therapist Dr. Tara Consolino for an unforgettable conversation about the new veteran-focused film SHEEPDOG . Together, they explore the real-life stories that inspired the movie, the importance of authentic representation of the veteran experience, and the healing that emerges when veter...

Dr. Tyler Pieron talks with Michele Spiers from the American Council on Education (ACE) about how service members and veterans can make the most of their education benefits. They discuss translating military training into college credit, understanding the Joint Services Transcript , and using credit for prior learning to fast-track degree completion. 🪖 Key Highlights How ACE evaluates military an...

Dr. Tyler Pieron welcomes Craig Robbins , CEO of MilitaryHire.com and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, to talk about the challenges and opportunities veterans face when transitioning into civilian careers. Craig shares his journey from the Marine Corps to leading a major veteran-focused hiring platform, and offers practical advice for job seekers navigating resumes, networking, and mod...

Host Dr. Tyler Pieron speaks with Tony DeMaio , founder of Helping Heroes USA , about suicide prevention for veterans and first responders. Tony shares his journey from Project Hero to launching Helping Heroes USA, and how communities—not just professionals—can step up to save lives. Highlights The impact of suicide on families and communities How isolation fuels risk—and why connection matters Re...

Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with renowned international relations scholar Dale Copeland to unpack the evolving dynamics of US-China relations through the lens of history, economics, and strategic theory. Drawing from his influential book A World Safe for Commerce , Copeland introduces listeners to his groundbreaking concept of dynamic realism —a framework that blends liberal and realist theories to...

In this enlightening episode of Coming Home Well , host Tyler Pieron sits down with Doug Lynam, a man whose life journey defies convention. From growing up in a wealthy family to embracing the hippie lifestyle, serving as a U.S. Marine, spending 20 years as a Benedictine monk, and ultimately becoming a financial advisor, Doug shares powerful insights on navigating the complex relationship between...

In this episode of the Coming Home Well podcast, host Dr. Tyler Pieron sits down with Stephanie Samuels, founder and director of Copline—a crucial support hotline for law enforcement officers and their families. Together, they explore the unique challenges first responders face, the significance of mental health resources, and how Copline provides a safe, confidential space for officers in need. T...

In this episode, we delve into the inspiring parallel narratives of military veterans returning home from their tours of duty and multiple myeloma patients facing their relentless battles for survival. We explore both groups' challenges, including emotional, mental, and physical struggles, as they strive for healing and remission. Join us as we highlight the collaboration between Coming Home Well...

Dr. Tyler Pieron engages in a heartfelt conversation with poet Jehanne Dubrow, who shares her unique perspective as a military spouse and author of three poetry collections focused on the military experience. Jehanne discusses her creative process, the challenges of maintaining a long-distance marriage, and how her poetry serves as a voice for military spouses. Join us for an enlightening discussi...

Dr. Tyler Pieron engages in an enlightening conversation with Tunisha Miles and KL Allen from Western Governors University (WGU). They discuss the unique educational opportunities WGU offers, particularly for military personnel and veterans. Discover how WGU's competency-based learning model, affordable tuition, and supportive mentorship programs are designed to accommodate the unique challenges f...

Dr. Tyler Pieron introduces listeners to a new addition to the CHW Streaming Radio channel lineup: the Gold Shields Show. Co-host Tom Smith, a retired NYPD detective, joins the conversation to discuss the unique approach of Gold Shields in highlighting true stories from law enforcement and military backgrounds. With over 100 episodes, the podcast delves into real crime cases, mental health challen...